kids playing under the parachute at Special Olympics (Lauren Chavez / The Puma Prensa)
by Lauren Chavez (Co-Executive Editor) and Izzy Boyle (Staff Writer)
The second annual Special Olympics held at Maria Carrillo High School celebrated another successful year on October 8, drawing multiple schools from around Sonoma County for a day of games and activities on the football field. Puma Peers volunteered to help with the event, chaperoning each station and making sure things ran smoothly as kids enjoyed bubbles, a parachute, soccer, face painting, and more.
The Northern California chapter of Special Olympic was founded in 1995 and vows to offer an inclusive, collaborative, and fun environment for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate in sports and other activities that allow them to be active and have a good time with old and new friends alike.
Carrillo’s day of fun began with an opening ceremony, where athletes were welcomed onto the field by Puma Peers and volunteers and given a warm introduction to our school. The national anthem was sung by senior Ava Reynolds and the Special Olympics Pledge was read before the games commenced. The day was one of collaboration and community as kids, Puma Peers, and adults alike got to have fun with one another and enjoy the morning.
As the festivities began to come to a close, the schools eagerly gathered on the track for a special goodbye from Puma Peers. Volunteers stood on either side of the track, waving colorful scarves and tassels and offering children high-fives and words of encouragement. Every child received an extra special ribbon congratulating them on their efforts and participation before heading home.
Carrillo’s Special Olympics was a smashing success for a second year running, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year.